What is dry cough and what is the difference between dry and productive cough?

Dry coughing is a response of the upper respiratory tract to unrest in its mucosal lining as a result of inflammation. Dry coughing could be spastic or non-spastic.

Dry coughing does not produce secretions. It is tiresome throughout the day, and at times, throughout the night. Productive coughing produces secretions. Initially the upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed, this marks the beginning of dry coughing.

During acute bronchitis, this occurs in the first 2-3 days. Upon the initiation of medication with antibiotics and mucolytics, the inflammation subsides, and simultaneously mucous production begins, which is the secretion exuded during productive coughing.

Acute bronchitis occurs most often in the ages deemed most vulnerable (younger ages, including toddlers, and advanced ages). This is due to the fact that levels of immunity are especially lower for these ages.

Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, doctors have to decide upon a variety of methods for diagnosing and treating the disease. If coughing is prolonged over several months, then the physician must further characterize and narrow down the causes behind the cough.

Cough bronchitis treatments include antibiotics, a medication which serves to dissolve and thus help the patient remove the secretions from their bronchi and vitamins. At times, broncho-dilators may be used if the patient is suffering from moderate respiratory distress.

Following the examination with a stethoscope, the doctor concludes: the patient has been suffering from a prolonged, relatively frequent cough, at times productive and bothering them during the night. etc